An MBA is essential for moving forward in a fast-paced, global corporate world. When searching for the best rankings for Masters of Business Administration degrees, we turned to the US News and World Report's list. These universities are some of the most prestigious in the country, abut also offer a high quality of education that is made apparent in their offerings.

Harvard Universitycombines real world challenges with study groups that allow students to work together to solve problems. This MBA is a two-year program of study that puts an emphasis on leadership. Networking opportunities abound with an international focus and high percentages of international students. This is then combined with valuable financial background to prepare students for any corporate problem-solving situation.

Stanford Universitygives students a tailored curriculum. Their first-year management foundations courses give several different options, which allow students to whittle down what they think they would most be interested in. This lays the first foundation for the MBA degree. Additional benefits including diversity in their teaching methods and small group work to gain greater insight into what other students' backgrounds are like. Global study trips help cement this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technologyis composed of a variety of different learning techniques, including case studies, lectures, discussions, team projects, and research opportunities. This is meant to give students the actual real-world business skills that they need to succeed, after earning the initial Masters in Business Administration. Finding time to interact with leaders of the industry is another way to start forming connections while still in school.

Northwestern Universityoffers MBA courses through its Kellogg School of Business. They have a network that surpasses 50,000 alumni, which allows for supreme networking opportunities after graduation. There is the full two year MBA program, or the potential to go into a fast track one-year introduction course that is also offered at the full-time level. Part time courses are another option for busy current executives.

University of Chicagodistinguishes themselves by offering a different, multi-disciplinary curriculum. This includes taking a look at such fields as economics, sociology, psychology, and statistics, all of which play a strong role in the business world. There are fourteen different concentrations that branch off of these initial fundamental courses, to fit eventual career goals after graduation. Some examples of these fields of specialty include but are not limited to marketing management, operations, and organizational behavior studies.

University of Pennsylvaniaoffers over 200 elective courses, making them one of the most individualized business courses out there at the moment. This unique learning environment at the Wharton School of Business is also responsible for over ten interdisciplinary degrees, all of which can still lead to the eventual MBA certification. The approach puts an emphasis on analytical thinking and strong problem solving skills that are applicable to the real world.

Dartmouth Collegehas courses that range from strategy to finance, as well as the marketing and management skills that are necessary for any future business leader. Their MBA program is known for its flexibility, meaning that students could potentially pursue a joint or dual-degree program. Global exchange programs are also part of the curriculum to give a more global perspective. Portfolio management, international economics, and asset pricing are but a few examples of the types of classes that may be covered.

University of California Berkeleyis home to the Haas School of Business, which has one of the more innovative MBA programs offered for future business leaders. The curriculum is meant to be flexible yet also challenge students to stretch themselves by collaborating with other peers on real-world simulations and financial issues. The program is meant to move quickly and embrace a multicultural diversity in the classroom.

Columbia Universitygives students a choice from several different unique options within the framework of an established MBA program. That includes an Individual, Business and Society curriculum, embracing individual leadership techniques and corporate responsibility courses. Master classes are another unique option, which focus on one specific industry such as consulting or real estate and then bring the community into these courses for an enriching, hands-on experience.

New York Universityboasts a flexible curriculum, in which students can choose up to three different specializations from a list of twenty options. Courses are available for MBA students in the day or evening, making use of New York case studies, and taking advantage of the resources that studying in New York City offers.

George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 33,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. George Mason University is an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.

Founded in 1856, Seton Hall is one of the country’s leading Catholic universities. Rich in history, Seton Hall is also an institution on the rise. U.S. News ranks us among the top universities, and we have moved up 13 places in just five years.

Northcentral University was founded in 1996 to provide working professionals around the world with unprecedented access to richly engaging, professionally relevant, and academically-rigorous education from a U.S. university.

As a regionally accredited, private, online and graduate-focused university, NCU offers doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, technology management, education, and psychology, as well as doctoral and master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy.